Inter vs. Intra

synophones

Have you ever thought about the differences between these two words? Maybe they're similar. Well, if you wanna find out, come join me.

What Is Their Main Difference?

These two are both prefixes. However, 'inter' shows the connection between some things, whereas, 'intra' refers to something inside another thing.

Differences

When we use 'inter', we are referring to what is between some things/people. Look at the examples below:

Interaction point out the different relations between at least two people.

Interject refers to inserting something between two things.

'Intra', on the other hand, refers to something that is in a particular thing/person. It has the same meaning as 'inside'. Check out the following examples:

Intragalactic talks about a particular phenomenon in one galaxy.

Intrapsychic refers to something inside and dealing with a person's psyche.

Similarities

These two are only similar in that they are both prefixes. Take a look below:

Mona seems to have intranasal problems.

An internet connection refers to the connection between several computers across the community.

Are They Interchangeable?

Despite the fact that they are both prefixes and look somehow similar, they cannot be used interchangeably because they are opposites. 'Inter' refers to the connection between two or more things/people, whereas, 'intra' refers to something inside one thing. Compare:

✓ The couple seem to have interpersonal issues.

X The couple seem to have intrapersonal issues.

As you can see, this one does not make sense.